Deanston Highland Single Malt Stout Cask Finish

Tried a sample neat. This is an enjoyable one. I've stopped drinking beer for the past couple of years, but I had some great times with Dragon's Milk. When you're unaware a beer has a high alcohol content and the restaurant serves you a (few) 16 oz. pours, the evening becomes interesting. On the nose, the stout influence is subtle and only faintly present at the back. Upfront, there's a pleasant sweetness with notes of apples, lemon, and meringue. That stout character remains like a low bass note, in the background but perceptible. Sweetness reappears on the palate, quite refreshing. The fruits become a bit darker, like pears and berries. There's a touch of leather and chocolate. The chocolate lingers. I'm really connecting with that stout character the longer I experience it. A very refreshing serving. It's mostly light and sweet, but the stout finish adds some dark depth to the flavor and finish. The aftertaste is remarkably similar to drinking Dragon's Milk, which I find amusing given how light in color this beverage is. I genuinely enjoyed it.

The aroma consists of shortbread, pears, and milk chocolate. The characteristic Deanston fruitiness is present, along with a robust dark chocolate flavor from the stout influence. There's a noticeable warmth. It has a rustic quality. The finish is dry, with a warming cocoa taste.